Best Smartwatches in 2025 from Apple and Android: Expert Reviews & Comparisons
Key Considerations When Choosing a Smartwatch in 2025
Smartphone Compatibility
Apple Watches work exclusively with iPhones, while most Android watches are compatible only with Android phones. Some fitness-focused watches from Garmin, Amazfit, and Fitbit work with both platforms, though with limited functionality on iOS.
Health & Fitness Features
Consider which health metrics matter most to you—from FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection and ECG monitoring to fitness coaching and recovery metrics. The best watches now offer actionable insights rather than just raw data.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life ranges dramatically from 18 hours (Apple Watch Series 10) to five days (OnePlus Watch 3). Consider your willingness to charge daily versus the convenience of multi-day battery life.
Top Apple Watches of 2025
Apple continues to dominate the premium smartwatch market with its seamless iOS integration, comprehensive health features, and unmatched app ecosystem. The 2025 lineup brings significant improvements in design, health monitoring, and everyday usability.
The Apple Watch Series 10 (left) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (right) represent Apple’s flagship smartwatch offerings for 2025
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 represents a significant refinement over previous generations, with a thinner, lighter design that’s more comfortable for all-day wear. Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, it features a larger, brighter OLED display with wide-angle viewing and a 1Hz refresh rate that enables a ticking second hand on the always-on display.
The standout health feature is FDA-cleared sleep apnea notifications, which can detect signs of this potentially dangerous condition over a 30-day monitoring period. Other health capabilities include ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, cycle tracking, and comprehensive workout metrics.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 42mm or 46mm LTPO3 OLED with always-on capability |
| Battery Life | 18 hours standard, up to 36 hours with power saving |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, ECG, sleep tracking, sleep apnea detection, temperature |
| Special Features | Voice isolation for calls, speaker music playback, fast charging (80% in 30 minutes) |
| Compatibility | iOS only |
Pros
- Incredibly light and comfortable design
- Larger, brighter screen with better viewing angles
- FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection
- Voice isolation makes calls clearer
- Fast charging (80% in 30 minutes)
Cons
- Battery life still limited to about a day
- No blood oxygen sensing due to patent disputes
- Expensive compared to budget alternatives
- iOS compatibility only
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who demand more from their wearables. With its rugged titanium construction, customizable Action button, and significantly better battery life than the standard Apple Watch, it’s built to withstand extreme conditions while providing enhanced functionality.
The Ultra 2 features an incredibly bright 3,000-nit display that remains visible even in direct sunlight, dual-band GPS for precise route tracking, and a built-in 86-decibel siren for emergency situations. It also includes all the health features of the Series 10, plus additional metrics for endurance athletes.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 49mm, 3,000-nit brightness, always-on |
| Battery Life | Up to 72 hours with power saving, 36 hours standard |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, ECG, sleep tracking, sleep apnea detection, temperature |
| Special Features | Customizable Action button, 86dB siren, dual-band GPS, depth gauge, 100m water resistance |
| Compatibility | iOS only |
Pros
- Exceptional durability with titanium construction
- Ultra-bright 3,000-nit display
- Significantly better battery life than standard Apple Watch
- Customizable Action button for quick access
- Advanced outdoor and water sports features
Cons
- Very expensive
- Large 49mm size may be too bulky for some wrists
- Limited recovery metrics compared to dedicated sports watches
- No offline maps without iPhone connection
Best Android Smartwatches of 2025
The Android smartwatch ecosystem has matured significantly in 2025, with Google, Samsung, and OnePlus leading the charge. These watches offer excellent integration with Android phones, impressive battery life, and unique features that set them apart from Apple’s offerings.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (left) and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (right) showcase the best of Wear OS in 2025
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant evolution in Google’s wearable lineup, now available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) to accommodate different wrist sizes. Its minimalist, dome-shaped design remains one of the most elegant in the smartwatch market, with a refined user interface that adheres to Material 3 Expressive design guidelines.
Health and fitness tracking is powered by Fitbit’s technology, offering reliable heart rate monitoring even during intense workouts, comprehensive sleep tracking, and the new FDA-cleared loss of pulse detection feature that could potentially save lives. The watch also introduces AI-generated running workouts and cardio load tracking for serious athletes.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 41mm or 45mm round AMOLED, up to 2,000 nits brightness |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours with always-on display, 36 hours with power saving |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, loss of pulse detection |
| Special Features | Gemini AI integration, Morning Brief digest, Daily Readiness Score |
| Compatibility | Android only |
Pros
- Elegant, minimalist design now in two sizes
- Excellent Fitbit integration for health tracking
- FDA-cleared loss of pulse detection
- AI-powered running workout recommendations
- Daily Readiness Score now available without subscription
Cons
- Battery life still limited to about a day
- Only 3 years of software updates promised
- No Gemini AI support yet (coming in future update)
- Workout builder limited to outdoor running
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Series
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 series introduces a new “squircle” design that departs from the company’s traditional circular watches. Available in standard (40mm and 44mm) and Classic (46mm) models, the Watch8 runs Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI Watch overlay, offering a refined interface with more glanceable information and Gemini AI integration.
The health tracking capabilities are impressive, with reliable heart rate monitoring, excellent sleep tracking, and FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection (Samsung phone required). The Watch8 Classic model brings back the beloved physical rotating bezel for easier navigation, while all models feature dual-frequency GPS for accurate workout tracking.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 40mm/44mm (standard) or 46mm (Classic) AMOLED, up to 2,000 nits |
| Battery Life | Up to 48 hours (larger models), 30 hours (40mm) |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, ECG*, BIA body composition, SpO2, skin temperature, sleep apnea* |
| Special Features | Vascular Load monitoring, Antioxidant Index, Energy Score, mechanical rotating bezel (Classic model) |
| Compatibility | Android (some features Samsung-exclusive*) |
Pros
- Comprehensive health tracking with sleep apnea detection
- Mechanical rotating bezel on Classic model
- Excellent automatic workout detection
- Wear OS 6 with Gemini integration
- Four years of software updates promised
Cons
- Polarizing new “squircle” design
- Some features exclusive to Samsung phones
- Battery life shorter than previous generations
- New proprietary strap system
- Some health metrics (AGEs, Antioxidant Index) lack context
Battery Life Champions
For many users, the daily charging requirement of premium smartwatches is a significant drawback. These models break that pattern, offering multi-day battery life without sacrificing smart features.
The OnePlus Watch 3 leads the pack with up to five days of battery life while maintaining full smartwatch functionality
OnePlus Watch 3
The OnePlus Watch 3 stands out in the crowded Wear OS market with its exceptional five-day battery life—a game-changer for users tired of daily charging. Now available in both 43mm and 47mm sizes, it features a silicon-carbon battery that packs more capacity without requiring a thicker case, paired with an efficient dual-engine architecture that intelligently manages power consumption.
Beyond battery life, the Watch 3 offers a premium stainless steel and aluminum construction, a bright 2,200-nit AMOLED display with flicker-free DC dimming, and a functional rotating crown with excellent haptic feedback. Health tracking has been significantly improved over previous generations, with more accurate heart rate monitoring and new features like fall detection, irregular heart rate notifications, and wrist temperature sensing.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 43mm (1.32″) or 47mm (1.5″) AMOLED, 2,200 nits, LTPO |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 days (47mm) or 2.5 days (43mm) |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, ECG* (*not available in US/Canada) |
| Special Features | Functional rotating crown, dual-engine architecture, 30-minute fast charging |
| Compatibility | Android only |
Pros
- Exceptional five-day battery life (47mm model)
- Premium build with stainless steel and aluminum
- Bright, flicker-free display with DC dimming
- Excellent rotating crown with haptic feedback
- Fast charging (full charge in 30-40 minutes)
Cons
- ECG feature unavailable in US and Canada
- No LTE option available
- Only three years of software updates promised
- 47mm size may be too large for smaller wrists
- No menstrual cycle tracking
Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 bridges the gap between dedicated fitness watches and mainstream smartwatches, offering an impressive two-week battery life alongside robust health and fitness tracking. Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, it features a bright AMOLED touchscreen, physical buttons for reliable navigation, and compatibility with both iOS and Android.
What sets the Venu 3 apart is Garmin’s comprehensive suite of fitness and health metrics, including Body Battery energy monitoring, Sleep Coach with personalized insights, and Training Readiness scores that help you optimize your workout timing. Unlike many competitors, all these advanced features are available without a subscription.
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 41mm (1.2″) or 45mm (1.4″) AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (5 days with always-on display) |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, skin temperature, sleep tracking |
| Special Features | Body Battery, Sleep Coach, Training Readiness, wheelchair mode |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros
- Exceptional two-week battery life
- Comprehensive health and fitness metrics without subscription
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Bluetooth calls and voice assistant support
- Physical buttons work reliably during workouts
Cons
- Limited third-party app support
- Design doesn’t feel as premium as similarly priced watches
- Slow app downloads
- Requires separate apps for health insights and watch faces
- No home button
Head-to-Head Comparison: Apple vs. Android Smartwatches
When choosing between Apple and Android smartwatches, several key factors come into play beyond simple ecosystem compatibility. Here’s how the top contenders stack up against each other in critical areas.
Health tracking interfaces on the Apple Watch Series 10 (left) and Google Pixel Watch 3 (right)
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 | OnePlus Watch 3 |
| Display Quality | LTPO3 OLED, 2,000 nits, always-on | AMOLED, 2,000 nits, always-on | AMOLED, 2,000 nits, always-on | LTPO AMOLED, 2,200 nits, DC dimming |
| Battery Life | 18-36 hours | 24-36 hours | 30-48 hours | 60-120 hours |
| Health Features | ECG, sleep apnea, temperature, fall detection | ECG, loss of pulse, SpO2, skin temperature | ECG*, sleep apnea*, BIA, SpO2, temperature | ECG*, SpO2, temperature, fall detection |
| App Ecosystem | Extensive (watchOS) | Growing (Wear OS) | Growing (Wear OS) | Growing (Wear OS) |
| AI Integration | Siri with on-device processing | Gemini (coming soon) | Gemini | Google Assistant |
| Software Support | 5+ years expected | 3 years guaranteed | 4 years guaranteed | 3 years guaranteed |
| Price Range | $399-$499 | $349-$449 | $299-$499 | $299-$349 |
*Feature requires specific phone brand (Samsung or OnePlus) to function
Health and Fitness Features: What’s New in 2025
Health monitoring capabilities have become the primary battleground for smartwatch innovation, with manufacturers racing to add new sensors and more actionable insights. Here are the standout health and fitness features of 2025’s top smartwatches.
Advanced health monitoring has become a central feature of premium smartwatches in 2025
FDA-Cleared Sleep Apnea Detection
Both Apple Watch Series 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 now offer FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, monitoring breathing patterns during sleep to identify potential signs of this serious condition. The feature requires a 30-day monitoring period and provides actionable insights if symptoms are detected.
Loss of Pulse Detection
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 introduces loss of pulse detection, which can identify when a user’s heart stops beating and automatically alert emergency services. This potentially life-saving feature has received FDA clearance and works in conjunction with fall detection to provide comprehensive safety monitoring.
Vascular Load Monitoring
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 series introduces Vascular Load monitoring, which measures the strain on your blood vessels over time. The feature requires consistent wear during sleep for at least three out of 14 days to establish a baseline, then provides insights into cardiovascular health trends.
Body Battery & Energy Score
Garmin’s Body Battery and Samsung’s Energy Score provide similar functionality, measuring your overall energy levels based on heart rate variability, sleep quality, and activity levels. These metrics help users understand when to push harder in workouts and when to prioritize recovery.
AI-Generated Workout Plans
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 leverages AI to generate personalized running workouts based on your fitness level, goals, and previous performance. The feature can adapt plans based on your progress and provide real-time guidance during runs.
Antioxidant Index
Samsung introduces the Antioxidant Index on the Galaxy Watch8, which claims to measure carotenoid levels in your blood to assess your consumption of antioxidant-rich foods. However, early testing suggests this feature may need refinement to provide consistently accurate results.
Smartwatch Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Match
With so many options available, choosing the right smartwatch depends on your specific needs, preferences, and existing tech ecosystem. Here’s how to navigate the decision process based on your priorities.
Finding the right smartwatch means considering your smartphone, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences
For iPhone Users
- Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 10 offers the most seamless integration with iOS and the most comprehensive feature set
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides extended battery life and rugged durability
- Budget Option: Apple Watch SE (2022) delivers core functionality at a lower price point
- For Fitness Focus: Garmin Venu 3 works with iOS and offers superior fitness insights and battery life
- For Minimal Distractions: Withings ScanWatch 2 provides health tracking in a traditional watch design
For Android Users
- Best Overall: Google Pixel Watch 3 offers the most refined Wear OS experience
- For Samsung Phones: Galaxy Watch8 provides exclusive features when paired with Samsung devices
- For Battery Life: OnePlus Watch 3 delivers up to five days between charges
- Budget Option: Amazfit Bip 6 offers basic smartwatch functionality at an affordable price
- For Fitness Focus: Garmin Venu 3 provides comprehensive fitness tracking without subscription fees
By Priority
- Health Monitoring: Apple Watch Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch8
- Battery Life: OnePlus Watch 3 or Garmin Venu 3
- Fitness Tracking: Garmin Venu 3 or Amazfit Balance 2
- Outdoor Activities: Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Value for Money: OnePlus Watch 2R or Amazfit Bip 6
Important Compatibility Note
Apple Watches work exclusively with iPhones and cannot be paired with Android devices. Most Wear OS watches (Google, Samsung, OnePlus) work only with Android phones. If you switch between iOS and Android, consider cross-platform options like Garmin, Fitbit, or Amazfit watches.
The Future of Smartwatches: What’s Coming Next
As we look beyond 2025, several emerging technologies are poised to transform the smartwatch experience even further. Here’s what industry insiders expect to see in the next generation of wearables.
Future smartwatches may incorporate more advanced display technologies and health sensors
Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring
Perhaps the most anticipated upcoming feature is non-invasive glucose monitoring, which would allow diabetics to track blood sugar levels without finger pricks. Both Apple and Samsung are reportedly investing heavily in this technology, though regulatory approval remains a significant hurdle. Early prototypes use spectroscopy to measure glucose levels through the skin, but achieving medical-grade accuracy has proven challenging.
Micro-LED Displays
Next-generation Micro-LED display technology promises significant improvements in brightness, power efficiency, and durability compared to current OLED screens. Apple is rumored to be leading this transition, potentially incorporating Micro-LED in future Apple Watch models to extend battery life while maintaining or improving display quality.
Advanced AI Health Coaching
As on-device AI processing becomes more sophisticated, future smartwatches will likely offer more personalized health and fitness coaching. Rather than simply tracking metrics, these devices will provide actionable insights and adaptive training plans based on your unique physiology and goals. Google’s work with AI-generated running plans on the Pixel Watch 3 represents an early step in this direction.
Expanded Biometric Sensors
Future smartwatches may incorporate additional sensors to track metrics like hydration levels, blood pressure, and even stress hormones like cortisol. Samsung has already patented technology for cuffless blood pressure monitoring, while several startups are working on sweat analysis for hydration and electrolyte tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
No, Apple Watches are designed to work exclusively with iPhones and cannot be paired with Android devices. If you use an Android phone, you’ll need to choose a compatible smartwatch like those from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, or cross-platform options like Garmin or Amazfit.
Which smartwatch has the best battery life in 2025?
Among full-featured smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 3 leads with up to five days of battery life on the 47mm model. For those willing to sacrifice some smart features, the Garmin Venu 3 can last up to two weeks between charges. Traditional Apple and Google watches typically require daily charging, though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can stretch to about three days with power-saving features enabled.
Are smartwatch health features medically accurate?
While smartwatch health features have improved significantly, they should not be considered medical devices unless specifically FDA-cleared for that purpose. Features like ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch Series 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 have received FDA clearance for specific use cases. However, other metrics like stress monitoring, blood oxygen levels, and body composition analysis should be viewed as informational rather than diagnostic. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns rather than relying solely on smartwatch data.
How long do smartwatches typically last before needing replacement?
A quality smartwatch should last 2-4 years with proper care, though battery degradation is often the limiting factor. Software support varies by manufacturer: Apple typically supports watches for 5+ years, Samsung guarantees 4 years of updates for the Galaxy Watch8 series, while Google and OnePlus promise 3 years for their latest models. Consider both hardware durability and software support when evaluating long-term value.
Do I need cellular connectivity on my smartwatch?
Cellular connectivity (LTE) allows your smartwatch to make calls, send messages, stream music, and use apps even when not connected to your phone or Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for runners, hikers, or anyone who wants to leave their phone behind occasionally. However, LTE models typically cost -100 more than Bluetooth/Wi-Fi versions and require a monthly carrier fee (usually -15). Most users find Bluetooth connectivity sufficient for everyday use, as their phone is usually nearby.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Smartwatch in 2025
The smartwatch market in 2025 offers more compelling options than ever before, with significant improvements in health monitoring, battery life, and overall functionality. For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains the gold standard, offering the most seamless integration with iOS and a comprehensive suite of health features. Android users have excellent options in the Google Pixel Watch 3, Samsung Galaxy Watch8, and the battery champion OnePlus Watch 3.
When making your decision, prioritize compatibility with your smartphone first, then consider which features matter most to you—whether that’s health monitoring, battery life, fitness tracking, or design. Remember that the “best” smartwatch is ultimately the one that fits your specific needs and lifestyle. With the options outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed choice that will serve you well for years to come.
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